TechSox

It's nearing the end of the summer motorcycle riding season here in the
Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.A.

All of the new-for-2006 motorcycle helmets, clothing and many accessories
have long since been released and we're waiting for the new batch of 2007
goodies.

In the meantime, there are a few items we've had laying around that,
for one reason or another, we just haven't been able to review.

Or possibly we've had other priorities -- like riding motorcycles, for
example?

I'm pretty confident that anyone would agree that if I had a choice between
riding and reviewing a pair of motorcycle socks, we both know which would
take precedence.

But, here I am, reviewing not one, but two pairs of Tech Sox!

Believe it or not, we received several inquiries about these after our
recent review of the Rev'it Moto Touring socks.
It never ceases to amaze me at how focused our visitors can be...

TechSox

Are Tech Sox really different? You'd think so after reading the packaging.

Claims like "ultimate comfort for all weather riding" abound
and the specifications list includes features like "high tech fibers",
cooling vents, elastic in the arches and ankles, seamless toes and more.

And by the way, I discovered after these photos were taken that the Tech
Sox, like the Rev'it Moto Touring socks, are "foot specific".
That is, there's one for the left and one for the right.

You can see in the photos that the socks are on the wrong feet. But honestly,
I hadn't noticed any difference at all and just discovered this when I was
looking over the package as I was preparing to write this article.

Which makes me wonder just how much hype surrounds motorcycle socks?
I mean, after all -- socks is socks, nay?

I realize that high motorcycle boots can make the rider's feet sweaty,
so it's probably important to find a pair of socks that will transport ("wicking",
it's usually called) moisture. But in reality, this never really works for
me anyway.

Beyond that, I have a problem with paying 17 to 22 bucks for a pair of
socks when I can get the same personal satisfaction at the Mart of Wall
for about $3.99.

That's the case with these Tech Sox. Although I also purchased a pair
of the ankle highs (called the "Stubby") to wear with sneakers,
the "boot cut" Tech Sox actually seem to make my feet sweat more
than normal, if that's possible. Either that, or they aren't doing their
job at wicking away the moisture.

So let's take a look to see how many of the 8 features listed on the
back of the package works for me: The "high tech fibers"
are 70% polypropylene, 20% Nylon and 10% elastic. Unless they've come up
with something that I don't know about, that means that 30% of the fibers
in the Tech Sox do not absorb moisture.

The listed purpose of these fibers is for "superior wicking"
and "moisture management", but I just don't notice any difference
when compared to, for example, a pair of 100% wool socks that I think have
wonderful cooling and heating properties, which remain useful even when
the socks are wet, and which also possess the ability to flow lots of air
through their fibers.

I suppose the fibers are also supposed to justify the claim that the
socks "keep you warm in the cool weather and cool in the warm weather".
Unfortunately, I have not found this to be the case either; I don't notice
any difference over any other readily available socks and we've had a variety
of warm and cool weather lately to evaluate this claim.

Another feature of the Tech Sox is "cooling vents", but again,
I haven't noticed any advantage. The elastic feature does add some comfort
and keeps the socks from slipping, which is a plus.

The Tech Sox are supposed to have "high impact Terry", as in
cloth, but if it's in there, I can't find it. The "super soft cuff", "cushioned
protectors" (for shins and tendons) and "custom comfort fit"
are also indistinguishable to me.

Finally, the socks are supposed to have a seamless toe, but as you can
see in the photos of both the short and boot cut versions, the toe has a
ridge right in back of the cap that I can feel when I'm wearing boots or
shoes.

Tech Sox carry a "1 full year or 12,000 miles" guarantee (although
it's not clear to me what this really means) and they're available in a
range of sizes, from women's size 4 up to men's size 16.

As you can tell, I'm not impressed. Tech Sox seem very expensive for
what they are and my opinion is that they don't have the features of, for
example, the Rev'it Moto Touring socks, which
are even more expensive but which do seem to have some distinguishing characteristics
above and beyond a typical sport sock found in a department store.

From "M" (06/2011): "They are definitely
not worth the money. I purchased 6 pair for a Motorcycle trip. The claim
of comfort and thermal properties are correct but, once the sock was washed
they where worthless. The socks slid down my leg, while riding and restricted
my circulation."